Theater Review: Witty script, feisty knights in 'Camelot'

“Camelot,” Lerner and Loewe's 1960 classic, still reigns as a medieval soap opera about feisty knights, lusty ladies and a tragic love triangle.

The musical was the pair's last theatrical collaboration and boasts a lush, melodic score, witty script and uplifting message. The intoxicating fairytale blends romanticism with idealism and mythology.

Director Peter Earle takes a playful approach in retelling the Arthurian legend by playing up the humorous aspects of the musical in the Academy of Performing Arts production.

Dramatic projections furnish atmospherics and make for quick and easy scene changes. A fog machine creates a misty enchanted forest. The show drags in spots especially in the overlong first act but contains many shining moments.

Earle's made smart casting choices, anchoring the production with an engaging Christopher Schultz as the idealistic King Arthur, a reluctant but revolutionary monarch who 's inspired to establish a civilized kingdom and a new age of chivalry.

His chance meeting with Guenevere in the woods where he's hiding is delightful. The animated actor amusingly depicts bridegroom jitters over their impending marriage but manages to enthrall her with his unassuming manner, quick wit and boyish charm.

Schultz movingly depicts Arthur's torment at being betrayed by the two people he loves most, his wife and his best friend, Sir Lancelot. He struggles to rise above his own pain and desire for revenge and act like a just king to preserve his kingdom.

A fetching Sara Sneed is captivating as the vain, high-spirited Guenevere, who longs for adventure and romance. Her acting ability matches her lovely soprano. She puts across the whimsical and slightly seductive lyrics of “The Lusty Month of May.”

Beau Jackett gives an over-the-top, spoofy portrayal of the self-righteous, pretentious Lancelot, punctuating every line with his rolling eyes and funny facial expressions. His character's bravado sometimes comes off as laughable self-mockery yet a dramatic feat turns his demeanor serious and ignites a romance between him and Guenevere.

Sneed and Jackett are convincing as the star-crossed lovers who experience more pain than pleasure. Jackett delivers a smooth rendition of “If Ever I Would Leave You.” Sneed expresses palpable anguish in “Before I Gaze at You Again” and “I Loved You Once in Silence.”